India’s automobile market is vast and diverse, offering a wide range of cars suitable for all kinds of consumers. For the average Indian buyer, affordability, fuel efficiency, low maintenance, and reliable performance are key factors when selecting a car. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, it’s essential to choose a car that fits your lifestyle and budget. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 popular cars in India that cater to the needs of common people in 2024. This guide will also provide you with price ranges, engine specifications, service charges, and much more to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
- Tata Tiago
- Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
- Maruti Suzuki Swift
- Renault Kwid
- Hyundai Santro
- Tata Punch
- Maruti Suzuki WagonR
- Honda Amaze
- Kia Seltos
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is one of the most affordable and trusted small cars in India. It’s compact, easy to drive, and offers excellent fuel efficiency, making it ideal for first-time buyers and small families.
Price Range: ₹3.99 Lakhs – ₹5.95 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: 1.0L K-Series Petrol Engine
- Displacement: 998 cc
- Power Output: 67.05 bhp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 89 Nm @ 3500 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: 24.90 kmpl (Petrol)
Service Charges:
- First Service (1,000 km): Free
- Annual Service Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹5,000
Why Choose the Alto K10?
- Budget-friendly and reliable.
- Excellent resale value and widespread service network.
- Low maintenance cost and high fuel efficiency.
2. Tata Tiago
The Tata Tiago has emerged as one of the best-selling hatchbacks in the Indian market, known for its stylish design, safety features, and robust performance.
Price Range: ₹5.59 Lakhs – ₹8.15 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: 1.2L Revotron Petrol Engine
- Displacement: 1199 cc
- Power Output: 85 bhp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 113 Nm @ 3300 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: 23.84 kmpl (Petrol)
Service Charges:
- First Service (1,500 km): Free
- Annual Service Cost: ₹5,500 – ₹6,000
Why Choose the Tata Tiago?
- 4-star Global NCAP safety rating.
- Excellent build quality and safety features.
- Attractive design with a spacious interior.
3. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is a premium hatchback offering a balance between modern design, performance, and a host of tech-savvy features, perfect for urban driving.
Price Range: ₹5.73 Lakhs – ₹8.51 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine
- Displacement: 1197 cc
- Power Output: 82 bhp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 114 Nm @ 4000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: 20.7 kmpl (Petrol)
Service Charges:
- First Service (1,500 km): Free
- Annual Service Cost: ₹5,500 – ₹7,000
Why Choose the Grand i10 Nios?
- Premium interiors and modern features.
- Reliable performance with good fuel economy.
- Smooth ride and refined engine.
4. Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Maruti Suzuki Swift continues to dominate the Indian hatchback segment with its iconic design, strong engine performance, and low ownership cost.
Price Range: ₹6.00 Lakhs – ₹8.98 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: 1.2L Dualjet Petrol Engine
- Displacement: 1197 cc
- Power Output: 89 bhp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: 23.20 kmpl (Petrol)
Service Charges:
- First Service (1,000 km): Free
- Annual Service Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹6,000
Why Choose the Swift?
- Fun to drive with peppy performance.
- Excellent resale value and fuel economy.
- Stylish design with modern features.
5. Renault Kwid
The Renault Kwid is one of the most affordable small cars in India with SUV-inspired looks, which makes it popular among young buyers looking for a budget car with good ground clearance.
Price Range: ₹4.69 Lakhs – ₹6.32 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: 0.8L Petrol Engine / 1.0L Petrol Engine
- Displacement: 799 cc / 999 cc
- Power Output: 54 bhp / 68 bhp
- Torque: 72 Nm / 91 Nm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: 22 kmpl (Petrol)
Service Charges:
- First Service (2,000 km): Free
- Annual Service Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹5,500
Why Choose the Renault Kwid?
- SUV-like design and high ground clearance.
- Compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in city traffic.
- Affordable and low maintenance costs.
6. Hyundai Santro
The Hyundai Santro has long been a favorite among Indian families, offering a good balance between affordability and a comfortable, feature-rich cabin.
Price Range: ₹4.89 Lakhs – ₹6.41 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: 1.1L Petrol Engine
- Displacement: 1086 cc
- Power Output: 69 bhp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 99 Nm @ 4500 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: 20.3 kmpl (Petrol)
Service Charges:
- First Service (1,500 km): Free
- Annual Service Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹6,500
Why Choose the Santro?
- Spacious interiors for a family.
- Trusted Hyundai reliability and service network.
- Affordable and feature-packed for its price.
7. Tata Punch
The Tata Punch is a micro-SUV that has taken the Indian market by storm, especially for those seeking the ruggedness of an SUV in a compact form. It offers high ground clearance and a robust build.
Price Range: ₹6.29 Lakhs – ₹10.10 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: 1.2L Revotron Petrol Engine
- Displacement: 1199 cc
- Power Output: 86 bhp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 113 Nm @ 3300 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: 18.9 kmpl (Petrol)
Service Charges:
- First Service (1,500 km): Free
- Annual Service Cost: ₹6,000 – ₹7,000
Why Choose the Tata Punch?
- Compact SUV design with impressive ground clearance.
- Rugged build quality and high safety ratings.
- Spacious and comfortable for small families.
8. Maruti Suzuki WagonR
The Maruti Suzuki WagonR is a household name in India, known for its practicality, spacious cabin, and excellent fuel efficiency. It’s ideal for families and daily commuters.
Price Range: ₹5.54 Lakhs – ₹7.42 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: 1.0L K-Series Petrol Engine / 1.2L Dualjet Petrol Engine
- Displacement: 998 cc / 1197 cc
- Power Output: 67 bhp / 89 bhp
- Torque: 90 Nm / 113 Nm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: 24.43 kmpl (Petrol)
Service Charges:
- First Service (1,000 km): Free
- Annual Service Cost: ₹4,500 – ₹6,000
Why Choose the WagonR?
- Known for its practicality and spaciousness.
- Excellent fuel efficiency and low maintenance cost.
- Strong resale value and widespread service network.
9. Honda Amaze
The Honda Amaze is a compact sedan that offers a perfect combination of style, space, and refined performance. It’s a favorite for those who want the comfort of a sedan at an affordable price.
Price Range: ₹7.09 Lakhs – ₹9.71 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol Engine
- Displacement: 1199 cc
- Power Output: 90 bhp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 110 Nm @ 4800 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / CVT
- Fuel Efficiency: 18.6 kmpl (Petrol)
Service Charges:
- First Service (1,000 km): Free
- Annual Service Cost: ₹5,500 – ₹6,500
Why Choose the Honda Amaze?
- Spacious and comfortable interiors.
- Smooth driving experience with refined engine.
- Strong brand reputation for reliability and performance.
10. Kia Seltos
For those looking for a slightly premium option, the Kia Seltos is one of the most feature-packed and stylish compact SUVs in the market. It is perfect for those who want modern design, performance, and cutting-edge technology.
Price Range: ₹10.90 Lakhs – ₹20.30 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: 1.5L Petrol Engine / 1.5L Diesel Engine
- Displacement: 1497 cc / 1493 cc
- Power Output: 113 bhp @ 6300 rpm / 114 bhp @ 4000 rpm
- Torque: 144 Nm @ 4500 rpm / 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual / IVT / 6-Speed Automatic
- Fuel Efficiency: 18 kmpl (Petrol) / 21 kmpl (Diesel)
Service Charges:
- First Service (1,000 km): Free
- Annual Service Cost: ₹7,000 – ₹9,000
Why Choose the Kia Seltos?
- Premium features and modern tech.
- Excellent performance and fuel efficiency.
- Stylish design with a comfortable and feature-rich interior.
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“What is the best car for a small family in India?”
The Tata Tiago is an excellent choice for a small family in India. With its affordable price range (₹5.59 Lakhs – ₹8.15 Lakhs), robust safety features, and spacious cabin, it is ideal for daily commutes and occasional long drives. The 4-star Global NCAP safety rating adds to its appeal, making it a reliable and practical option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best car under ₹5 Lakhs in India? The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is one of the best cars under ₹5 Lakhs, offering excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and reliability.
- Which car has the best mileage in India? The Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Alto K10 are known for their high fuel efficiency, with mileage figures around 24 kmpl, making them ideal for daily commuting.
- Which car is the safest in India under ₹10 Lakhs? The Tata Punch and Tata Tiago both have high safety ratings, with the Punch boasting a 5-star Global NCAP rating and the Tiago a 4-star rating.
- What is the most affordable compact SUV in India? The Tata Punch is one of the most affordable compact SUVs in India, starting at around ₹6.29 Lakhs.
- Is it better to buy a petrol or diesel car in India? It depends on your usage. For daily city driving with fewer kilometers, petrol cars are better, while diesel cars are more suitable for long-distance driving due to their fuel efficiency.
- What is the average maintenance cost for a hatchback in India? On average, the annual maintenance cost for a hatchback like the Maruti Suzuki Swift or Hyundai Grand i10 Nios ranges between ₹5,000 to ₹7,000.
- Which car has the best resale value in India? Maruti Suzuki Swift, WagonR, and Alto K10 are known for their excellent resale value due to their widespread popularity and reliability.
- Which car is best for long drives? The Honda Amaze and Kia Seltos are excellent for long drives due to their comfortable cabins, powerful engines, and spacious interiors.
- What is the best compact sedan in India? The Honda Amaze is one of the best compact sedans in India, offering a perfect balance of space, features, and a smooth driving experience.
- Which is the best car for a first-time buyer in India? The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Renault Kwid are great choices for first-time buyers due to their affordability, ease of driving, and low maintenance costs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right car in India can be challenging, given the variety of options available. However, by focusing on key factors like price, fuel efficiency, engine specifications, and service charges, you can make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle. The cars listed above provide excellent options for common people in India, offering a blend of affordability, reliability, and modern features.
For more updates and detailed car reviews, stay tuned to our blog! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below and let us know which car you decided to go with.
